BIRds of a feather

Muhājir means migrant. It's a variation on Zubair's own last name, and the truest word he had for a life that moved through Chennai, then Doha, then Chicago, picking something up at every stop along the way. Jacob's history runs closer to home: Filipino hospitality and food, family tables, the kind of cooking that gets passed down instead of taught.

For years now, the two of them have kept landing in the same kitchens: Coach House, Lilac Tiger, Sarima Cafe, one after another.

The idea for Muhājir started small, the way a fire always does. A story about a bird, the reed warbler, flying the length of continents every year and still finding its way home. Its path runs close to the old spice routes themselves, the same corridors that once carried cardamom, clove, anise, and chillies across oceans and cultures. That was the spark, the moment a name and an idea finally caught. Once it catches, fire breathes life into it: a spice becomes a meal, and a meal becomes a memory.

Muhājir is where all of that finally comes to roost. And just behind it, in a smaller room, the warmth of the fire turns into a neon glow. That's BOBO.

Meet the Team

  • Zubair Mohajir

    EXECUTIVE CHEF + CO-FOUNDER

    Zubair Mohajir is an award-winning chef, restaurateur and culinary storyteller known for redefining South Asian cuisine through a modern, globally influenced lens. Born in Chennai, India, raised in Doha, Qatar and later settling in the Chicago area, Mohajir’s culinary perspective reflects a lifetime of cultural exploration and a passion for connecting people through food. Mohajir is the chef and founder behind celebrated Chicago concepts including Coach House, Lilac Tiger, Mirra, Sarima Cafe and Muhājir. His work has earned multiple James Beard Award nominations, national recognition and appearances on Bravo’s Top Chef and Food Network. Across each of his restaurants, he explores the intersections of history, migration and culture, creating experiences that honor tradition while embracing innovation. Through every dish, he invites guests to experience the stories, flavors and journeys that have shaped both his life and his vision for modern hospitality. 

  • Jacob Dela Cruz

    EXECUTIVE CHEF + CO-FOUNDER

    Jacob Dela Cruz is a Filipino-American chef and hospitality leader whose work is rooted in culture, community and storytelling through food and beverage. As Chef de Cuisine of Coach House and co-founder of Muhājir + BOBO and Sarima Cafe, Jacob has become an integral part of a new generation of culinary talent helping shape Chicago’s dining landscape. His approach blends technical precision with a deep respect for heritage, drawing inspiration from Filipino flavors, family traditions and vibrant energy of neighborhood gathering places.

  • Richard Beltzer

    GENERAL MANAGER

    Richard Beltzer is a hospitality professional whose career has been defined by passion for thoughtful service, creative beverage programming and building memorable guest experiences. With years of experience working across some of Chicago’s most respected hospitality concepts, Richard has developed a reputation for blending technical expertise with genuine hospitality, creating spaces where guests feel both welcomed and inspired.